Amritsar: The Akal Takht has accepted an apology from Dera baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim, pardoning him for appearing in an initiation ceremony wearing clothes associated with Guru Gobind Singh, in 2007. The incident has led to a major controversy and widespread violence in both Punjab and Haryana. The decision to pardon the preacher was taken at a meeting of five Sikh high priests held at Akal Takht secretariat and has apparently not gone down well with many Sikh organisations who have announced they will launch an agitation to restore the Sarbat Khalsa institution and remove the Jathedar from his seat.
The Sarbat Khalsa is a grand assembly of Sikhs held at Amritsar and stands for the 'entire Sikh nation'. Although the priests said they received the apology letter a few days ago, some alleged it was an old one the Akal Takht had resurrected. President of Shiromani Akali Dal Paramjit Singh Sarna said five Sikh high priests had no right to take decision without consulting Sikh Panth. “The apology letter was sent in 2007. Why did the Sikh clergy suddenly take a decision on it now?” he asked.
The All India Sikh Students Federation has given a call for Sarbat Khalsa to remove the jathedar. “This is a black day in the history of Sikhs. A person who tried to project himself as Guru Gobind Singh can never be pardoned,” he said alleging the clergy's decision was taken under political influence.
